Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church
Newsletter
February 2018
A Member Congregation of the Lutheran Church - Missouri Synod
Inside this Issue
Baptismal Birthdays? .... p.1-2
Church News ............... p.3-5
Meal Train Info ............... p.6
Church Officers & Board
Chairmen Contact Info .... p.7
Sunday Service Roster .... p.8
February Baptisms, Birthdays
& Anniversaries .............. p.9
February Calendar ....... p.10
Pastor: Rev. Jon C. Olson
Cell Phone: (307) 337-7838
Email: [email protected]
Church Office: (307) 234-0568
Church Secretary: Tonya Hedquist
Church Email :
Website: www.tlc-casper.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/
TrinityLutheranChurchCasper-
WYLCMS
Why Should Baptismal Birthdays be Celebrated?
As part of Trinity’s monthly newsletter, a list of dates
commemorating baptismal birthdays is included alongside
wedding anniversaries and birthdays. This was a new feature in
Trinity’s newsletter back in the Fall of 2016, but was added without
explanation. This month’s newsletter is meant to help explain why
your baptismal birthday is important to remember, even daily.
The central teaching, the key article of our Confessions, the
teaching upon which the Christian Church stands and falls is the
Doctrine of Justification: that sinners are saved by Grace - as a gift
of God, through faith on account of Christ. Luther calls it “the first
and chief article.” Of all our worship practices and teachings, the
Sacrament of Holy Baptism reflects that central teaching most
clearly and brightly. Frequent contact with baptism and baptismal
theology helps everyone see the Doctrine of Justification as the
central article of the Lutheran Church.
Sadly, for many Lutherans, the practice of baptism ends on
the day the actual baptism takes place. The first and surest step in
explaining or reclaiming any church practice is to teach the inner
workings of the doctrine related to the practice—in this case the
Doctrine of Holy Baptism. In his Large Catechism, Dr. Martin
Luther explains this beautifully.
The act or ceremony is this: we are sunk under the water, which passes over us, and afterward are drawn out again. These two parts, (a) to be sunk under the water and (b) to be drawn out again, signify Baptism’s power and work. It is nothing other than putting off the old Adam and affecting the new man’s resurrection after that (Romans 6:4-6). Both of these things must take place in us all our lives. So a truly Christian life is nothing other than a daily Baptism, once begun and ever to be continued. For this must be done without ceasing, that we always keep purging away whatever belongs to the old Adam.
Therefore, the old man goes unrestrained in his nature if he is not stopped and suppressed by Baptism’s power. On the other hand, where people have become Christians , the old man daily decreases until he finally perishes (not totally in this life though). That is truly being buried in Baptism and daily coming forth again.
Therefore, the outward sign is appointed not only for a powerful effect (does what He says), but also for an illustration. Therefore, where faith flourishes with its fruit, there it has no empty meaning, but the work of mortifying the flesh goes with it (Roman 8:13). But where faith is lacking, it remains a mere unfruitful sign.
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Here you see that Baptism, both in its power and meaning, includes also the third Sacrament, which has been called repentance. It is really nothing other than Baptism. What else is repentance but a serious attack on the old man, that his lusts be restrained, and an entering into a new life? Therefore, if you live in repentance, you walk in Baptism. For Baptism not only illustrates such a new life, but also produces, begins, and exercises it. For in Baptism are given grace, the Spirit, and power to suppress the old man, so that the new man may come forth and become strong (Romans 6:3-6).
Our Baptism abides forever. Even though someone may fall from Baptism and sin, still we always have access to it. So we may subdue the old man again. But we do not need to be sprinkled with water again (Ezekiel 36:25-26; Hebrews 10:22). Even if we were put under the water a hundred times, it would still only be one Baptism, even though the work and sign continue and remain. Repentance, therefore, is nothing other than a return and approach to Baptism. We repeat and do what we began before, but abandoned.
I say this lest we fall into the opinion in which we were stuck for a long time. We were imagining that our Baptism is something past, which we can no longer use after we have fallen again into sin. The reason for this is that Baptism is regarded as only based on the outward act once performed and completed. For the ship of Baptism never breaks, because (as we have said) it is God’s ordinance and not our work, (1 Peter 3:20-22, “Baptism, which corresponds to this, now save you,” how often have “Christian evangelicals” said the opposite, rejecting God’s Word.)
In this way one sees what a great, excellent thing Baptism is. It delivers us from the devil’s jaw and makes us God’s own. It suppresses and takes away sin and then daily strengthens the new man. It is working and always continues working until we pass from this estate of misery to eternal glory.
For this reason let everyone value his Baptism as daily dress (Galatians 3:27 For as many of you as were Baptized into Christ have put on Christ.) in which he is to walk constantly.
Therefore, if we have received forgiveness of sin once in Baptism, it will remain every day, as long as we live. Baptism will remain as long as we carry the old man about our neck. (Concordia, The Lutheran Confessions. Large Catechism, IV Baptism, p. 429-431.)
In today’s culture, many people, even those who are baptized Christians, have great difficulty or are confused about their own identity. Many people wonder what their purpose is in this life. People find little or no meaning as they carry out their daily activities. A cloud of meaningless-ness hangs over many people as they try to find direction for their lives. Our materialist and consum-erist culture insists that measurable success, productivity and visible success are the only values that matter. Remembering the day that God gave the gift of faith, the forgiveness of sins and the promise of eternal life can give every person an identity the likes of which nothing on earth can compare. As Luther teaches in the first of his 95 Theses, the will of God is for sinners to repent. In his Large Catechism Luther connects repentance for Christians with the daily exercise of baptism, a daily return to baptism. Therefore, Lutheran congregations should be encouraged to confess in doctrine and practice the importance of Holy Baptism—repentance and absolution. This is the great reason for a church to place the baptismal font front and center in the sanctuary. Also, pas-tors who consistently speak the confession and absolution from the baptismal font are teaching a return to the day they were baptized. Encouraging people to know when their baptismal “birthday” is also a wonderful practice to encourage so that members can celebrate this significant event in their lives. It is a great way to teach the importance of God’s saving action both way back then and also how God keeps us in our baptismal grace unto life everlasting. If you do not know the date of your own baptism, it is a good idea to go through your personal files and find out when it occurred and drop a note with your name and the date of your Baptism in the secretary’s office. At Mt. Hope Lutheran School, each child is given a baptismal birthday card and the great hymn “God’s Own Child I Gladly Say It” is sung with great enthusiasm. After all, baptism is the day that we are reborn. We become members of God’s family, active members of the Church, and temples of the Holy Spirit.
God’s peace to you as we begin our Lenten journey on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 14. ~ Pastor Olson
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Sunday School News February you will find the Sunday School student
and teachers looking into Bible accounts from the
Book of Acts. These will include historical accounts
of the activities of Paul and Timothy, Lydia, Paul
and Silas in prison and Paul sails for Rome.
For music, students are learning the Lenten hymn
Christ, the Life of All the Living, LSB # 420.
Vacation Bible School
Trinity’s VBS program is in need of a volunteer to help
organize and lead this year’s programming. If you like sharing
God’s Word and working with children, please contact Board of
Education chairman Keith Giles (307) 235-1664, or call the
church office and let Tonya know you are interested.
Directory Updates: Ann Johnson: Life Care 4041 South Poplar
Casper, WY 82601
Tyler & Jessica Reagan: P.O. Box 2973
Mills, WY 82644
Cell Phone: (361) 722-8167
Bruce, Theresa & Evan Sowers:
787 Mystery Bridge Road
Evansville, WY 82636
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Upcoming Fellowship Events
Super Bowl Sub Sandwiches: Order forms need to be received
prior to Super Bowl Sunday, February 4th. Subs will be ready for pick
up following Bible Study Sunday, February 4th.
Lenten Meals: Meals will be held on Wednesdays at 5:30pm
beginning February 21st through March 21st. Midweek Lenten Divine
Services begin at 6:30 pm. Volunteers to provide meals are encouraged
to sign their group name on the sign up sheet posted on the church
kitchen door.
Easter Breakfast: will take place between the Easter Sunrise Divine
Service (6:30am) and the Easter Day Divine Service (9:00am) on April
1st. A sign-up sheet is posted on the kitchen door for volunteers to also
provide muffins or coffee cake to accompany the Easter breakfast.
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Our next meeting will be February 10th in the LWML room at 9:30 am.
All ladies are invited and welcome to attend a meeting at any time!
Please use the rear entrance nearest the kitchen if you would like to join us.
Upcoming Activities
February 10th the LWML Wyoming District Board will be meeting here at Trinity for most of
the day. We will be serving sloppy joes, salads and desserts for them at noon. We would like to
welcome all of the District Board members from around the state.
February 28th LWML will be serving the Lenten meal at 5:50 pm in the parish hall.
Mites and Missions
Each month LWML sends a donation to a different mission project. February’s donation goes to
the LWML Scholarship Fund. This is for students who are going into full time church work.
The mites collected on the 2nd Sunday of each month go to the Wyoming District office to be
distributed to a total of 8 grants that were voted on by delegates from each society in the
district at the last Wyoming District Convention which was in Chadron, NE in June of 2016.
The total grant amount is $40,000.00, $22,000.00 of which has been paid. Some of the grants
still being paid are Tell The Good News Convocation, Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran School,
Alliance, NE and Pastoral Education, West Africa - instruction resources.
Book Nook
(A Christian Living Resource Center)
As well as all occasion greeting cards available through the Book Nook you will now find
Valentine and Easter cards. Just stop by the LWML room and browse after worship service.
All cards include a scripture verse. Boxed cards are sold by box only. They are marked. Single
cards are available at a discounted price. The Book Nook is not a fundraiser. It is a service
provided by the LWML for the congregation. Cards are sold at cost. If you need assistance
please see Jo Giles or call her at 235-1664.
Quilting
The quilting ladies meet the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays each month at 9 am in the fellowship Hall,
September through May. February quilting times will be Tuesday, February 6th and 20th. Last
year we made 44 quilts that were donated to The Wind River Indian Mission, The Central
Wyoming Rescue Mission and Interfaith. We also donated quilts and fleece blankets at the Fall
Rally which was held at Mount Hope that went to Central Wyoming Hospice. We can always
use any size sheets, or blankets in good repair. Queen size or larger flat sheets or blankets
work best. If you have any you would like to donate, there is a box in the LWML room for them.
A big thank you to those who have donated in the past! Without your help we could not have
made so many! Anyone who would like to help make them is welcome at any time!
Temporarily, for questions please contact Jo Giles at 235-1664, or Faye Lund at 234-2328.
We pray that Jan has a speedy recovery. We miss her!
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Vivian Irene born to
Sage and Victoria Haight
A Meal Train sign-up sheet, including the Haight’s address, is located on the church kitchen door .
There are no food allergies.
Crockpot meals would be wonderful. Victoria’s parents are staying with them, so please prepare meals for
4 adults.
Congratulations!
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Trinity Ev. Lutheran Church
Officers & Board Chairmen
Chairman: Ryan Waterbury
(307) 258-5520
Vice—Chairman: Michael Collins
(307) 259-5153
Treasurer: Andrew Beyeler
(307) 899-0553
Financial Sage Haight
Secretary: (307) 797-8788
Recording Faye Lund
Secretary: (307) 234-2328
Head Jack Hyde
Elder: (307) 473-1005
Stewardship: Leonard Bauer
(307) 267-7171
Head Brian Chandler
Trustee: (307) 399-0799
Christian Keith Giles
Education: (307) 235-1664
Fellowship: Gene Long
(307) 235-8065
Young Peoples Victoria Haight
Work: (307)287-3347
LWML President: Faye Lund
(307) 234-2328
Board of Elders
Lou Allgeier: Stu - W (307) 265-1894
Shawn Dukart: Ru - Sto
(307) 251-8431
Gary Edds: Mass - Pi (307) 462-6065
John Ewing: Q - Ro
(307) 333-2723
Marty Finch: He - Kre (307) 268-8471
Jack Hyde: Kru - Masca
(307) 473-1005
Rick Reimann: Cr - Ha (307) 577-5661
Kyle Rice: Bon - Co
(307) 235-0812
Zak Szekely: A - Bol (307) 760-7922
The members of the Board of Elders work closely with the Pastor for the
spiritual well-being of the congregation.
Concerns about the Divine Service, service times, pastoral care, church membership, or similar items should be addressed to the chairman of the
Board of Elders, Jack Hyde.
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ELDERS
4th: Gary Edds & Shawn Dukart
11th & 14th: Jack Hyde & Rick Reimann
18th & 21st: John Ewing & Zak Szekely
25th & 28th: Marty Finch & Kyle Rice
ALTAR ASSISTANTS
4th: Matthew Quinn
11th: Caleb Sherwin
14th: Noah Waterbury
18th: Silas Witkop
21st: Matthew Quinn
25th: Noah Waterbury
28th: Caleb Sherwin
USHERS
4th: Lou Allgeier, Brian Chandler, Marty Finch, David Hutton, Richard Oates, Brian Quinn,
Kyle Rice, Wesley Rice, William Rice
11th & 14th: Mike Collins, Derek Buist, Keith Giles, Brandt Hedquist Jim Kirchen,
Keith Schoup, Tony Stitt, Josh Witkop
18th & 21st: Andrew Beyeler, Dave Denke, Shawn Dukart, Chris Hermel, Vaughn Long,
Bryan Pickett, Rick Reimann, Ryan Waterbury
25th & 28th: Leonard Bauer, Blaine Christensen, Gary Edds, Sage Haight, Jack Hyde,
Nathan Murrell, Zak Szekely
2018 February Sunday Service Roster
GREETERS
4th: Beth Burgess, David and Kathy Hutton
11th & 14th: Peggy Johnson, Carol Boe, Karon Rufenacht
18th & 21st: Joan Ellbogen, Jim Kirchen
25th & 28th: Keith & Abi Schoup, Dick & LaRee Means
ALTAR GUILD
Eulynda Dukart & Shelly Rice
FELLOWSHIP SET UP
Nancy Martin
ALTAR GUILD ASSISTANTS
3rd & 4th: Caitlynn & Rebekah Wise
10th & 11th: Terra McCumber & Ayla Huss
14th: Morgan & Evie Witkop
17th & 18th: Neala Du Mont & Hailey Willis
21st: Essence Koch & Bethany Quinn
24th & 25th: Caitlynn & Rebekah Wise
28th: Terra McCumber & Ayla Huss
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February Baptisms
1 Bud Ross
4 Noah Waterbury
7 Isabella Kriegh
11 Jan Joslyn
12 Jessica Koch
Terra McCumber
13 Alex Long
19 Maxwell Bolger
Morgan Reimann
20 Carol Boe
23 Jon Beem
Aiden Christensen
Lily Christensen
February Birthdays
2 Maxwell Bolger
4 Jim Kirchen
Janet Reister
Sandra VanGalder
5 James Burgess
Kyle Rice
9 Caleb Elton
10 Terri Lyttle
14 Matthew Quinn
Madyson Willis
17 Rhonda Davis
Steve Jenkins
Morgan Witkop
18 Doris Krucheck
Earl Schaefer
21 Kelly Pickett
Colton Sasser
22 Frank Stewart
Jolie Stutheit
23 Karon Rufenacht
26 Lisa Chandler
27 Ayla Huss
29 Eli Lijewski
February Wedding Anniversaries
2/21 Fred & Jessica Koch
14 years
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February 2018 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
28 Septuagesima
Divine Service 9 am Bible Study & Sunday School
10:35 am
29
Ladies’ Bible
Study
9am
Pastor’s Day Off
30
Adult Instruction
6 pm
31
Bible Study
1:15 pm
Men’s Bible Study
@ Rev. Preus’s
7 pm
1
2 3
Youth
Catechism
Class
9 am
4 Sexagesima
Divine Service 9 am Bible Study & Sunday School
10:35 am
5
Ladies’ Bible
Study
9am
Pastor’s Day Off
6
LWML Mission
Quilters
9 am
Adult Instruction
6 pm
7
Bible Study
1:15 pm
8
Parish Planning
Council Meeting
6:00 pm
9
10
Youth Catechism
Class 9 am
LWML General
Meeting 9:30 am
LWML District Board Meeting
8am—3pm
11 Quinquagesima
Divine Service 9 am LWML Mite Box Sunday Bible Study & Sunday School
10:35 am
12
Ladies’ Bible
Study
9am
Pastor’s Day Off
13
Pastor @ Circuit Winkel
in Glenrock
Adult Instruction
6 pm
Elders’ Meeting
7 pm
14
Bible Study
1:15 pm
Ash
Wednesday
Divine Service
6:30pm
15 16
March
Newsletter
Deadline
17
Youth
Catechism
Class
9 am
18 Invocabit
First Sunday in Lent
Divine Service 9 am
Sunday School
10:35 am
Voters’ Meeting
10:35am
19
Office Closed
Pastor’s Day Off
20
LWML Mission
Quilters
9 am
Adult Instruction
6 pm
21
Bible Study
1:15 pm
Lenten Super
5:30pm
Midweek
Divine Service
6:30 pm
22 23 24
Youth
Catechism
Class
9 am
25 Reminiscere
Second Sunday in Lent
Divine Service 9 am Bible Study & Sunday School
10:35 am
26
Ladies’ Bible
Study
9am
Pastor’s Day Off
27
Adult Instruction
6 pm
28
Bible Study
1:15 pm
Lenten Super
5:30pm
Midweek
Divine Service
6:30 pm
1
March
2
3
Youth
Catechism
Class
9 am
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